ATS Guidelines on ARDS
American thoracic society published guidelines on ARDS, Here is the summary
Mechanical ventilation
Steroids in severe community acquired pneumonia
Pierre-François Dequin, Ferhat Meziani et el published a trial in NEJM about use of steroids in severe community acquired pneumonia. Results are summarized here-
Video laryngoscopy much better than direct laryngoscopy in critically ill
Matthew E. Prekker, M.D., M.P.H., Brian E. Driver, M.D et el published a trial of video vs direct laryngoscope in critically ill patients in NEJM. Video laryngoscope resulted in a higher incidence of successful intubation on the first attempt than the use of a direct laryngoscope.
Days out of Institution after tracheostomy and gastrostomy
Anica C Law , Jennifer P Stevens et el published a retrospective cohort study of Medicare beneficiaries who underwent tracheostomy and gastrostomy while critically ill in various intensive care units. Here is the summary
Difficult airway algorithm
The American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) released their much anticipated difficult airway guidelines. The new guidelines emphasize following- Oxygenation prior to and throughout attempts at airway management. Use of end tidal CO2 after each attempt at airway management, regardless of the airway device or technique used. The role of clinical measures (eg, chest rise and fall, … Read more
Covid 19 : Current Knowledge and gaps
Since the beginning of the pandemic with covid-19, We have learned a lot regarding prevention and treatment. However, the knowledge Gap exists. Recent JAMA editorial summarized this for severe covid-19. PREVENTION Social distancing, frequent hand washing and mask wearing by the general public reduces the transmission of covid 19. Contact tracing and isolation are … Read more
Lower PEEP as good as higher PEEP in Non ARDS patients
Marcus J. Schultz, Anna Geke Algera, Luigi Pisani et el published a trial in JAMA comparing lower versus higher PEEP in Non ARDS patients who needed mechanical ventilation in intensive care unit. Background Higher PEEP has shown some beneficial effects in patients with ARDS. Effect of this observation has resulted in use of higher PEEP … Read more
COVID 19 for critical care
Updated 7/22/2020 Since the discovery of Covid 19(Coronavirus SARS COV 2) in December 2019, flow of information and circumstances are changing everyday. It is hard to keep up with so much information and sort out real from myths. In general, following points are important to remember which are referenced from reputable sources Tolicizumab is the … Read more